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Lewis leads at Jersey Shore to close in on top ranking

GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Stacy Lewis moved into position to take the top spot in the world, shooting a bogey-free 8-under 63 on Saturday to match the 36-hole record in the ShopRite LPGA Classic.

The second-ranked Toledo native had a 12-under 130 total on the Bay Course at Stockton Seaview Hotel and Golf Club.

A victory today would guarantee Lewis the No. 1 ranking, which Inbee Park has held for 59 straight weeks after taking it from Lewis. Park, playing in the windier afternoon session, had three bogeys on her final five holes to shoot 70 and fall six strokes behind Lewis.

“It would be huge,” Lewis said. “I was only there for four weeks last year, so I never really got to enjoy it. I definitely want to get back because I know kind of more now what to expect with it. Honestly, I’m kind of tired of hearing all the scenarios and hearing everybody talk about it. I would like to take care of that here this week.”

Lewis, the 2012 winner, won the North Texas LPGA Shootout four weeks ago.

Christina Kim was a stroke back after 67.

First-round leader Jennifer Johnson followed her course record 62 with a 70 to finish at 10 under.

Lewis also had shot 130 through two rounds at the ShopRite Classic in her 2012 victory. The only other players to finish the first two rounds of the ShopRite Classic at 130 were Amy Benz at Greate Bay Country Club in 1996 and Denise Killeen at Seaview in 2004.

“I like this golf course, and the fans just seem to come out of the woodwork for this tournament,” Lewis said. “It’s awesome.”

Lewis came on strong in the second round after admitting she felt “uncomfortable over the ball” during her first nine holes Friday.

She also climbed to the top of the leaderboard despite a crazy travel week. After tying for 10th at the Airbus LPGA Classic in Mobile, Ala., last week, Lewis flew to Pinehurst, N.C., to play two practice rounds in preparation for the U.S. Women’s Open on June 19-22. She then traveled to Seaview for Wednesday’s Shoprite Classic Pro-Am, flew in a private helicopter to New York City to participate in a news conference for the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, then returned to the Jersey Shore on Thursday.

“I know my game is in a good place,” Lewis said. “It was a lot, but I didn’t think it was going to be too much.”

Garwood takes lead

DES MOINES — Doug Garwood shot a 7-under 65 to take a one-shot lead after the second round of the Champions Tour’s Principal Charity Classic.

Garwood had an 11-under 133 total at Wakonda Club.

Michael Allen, the Allianz Championship winner in February, was second after a 66. Mark Calcavecchia and Tom Pernice, Jr., were 9 under. Calcavecchia had a 69, and Pernice shot 67.

Garwood is a conditionally exempt player making only his fourth start of the year. His best finish was a tie for 25th in the Allianz.